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Washington Powers To Debut Lambo Win At Bathurst |
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Monday, 09 April 2007 |
 NATRAD Racing’s Bryce Washington has taken the first steps towards regaining the Australian GT Championship he lost last season after taking a stunning round win at Mount Panorama in Bathurst today.
In doing so he lived up to his post race predictions following the cars recent debut, Washington suggesting after the Clipsal 500 that his new 500hp Italian Supercar would win races once the team had a chance to develop the car.
Washington stormed to pole position and two commanding race wins in the
third round of the championship this weekend, held as part of the
second-year Bathurst International Motor Festival.
It was the first success for the Gallardo GT3 in Australia following
the cars promising debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide – Washington’s
home event – in March this year.
To compliment his success NATRAD Supported driver Ian Palmer made a
strong debut in his identical car by finishing fourth in both races in
a promising showing.
Washington also re-set the Bathurst GT Championship lap record in the
first race – slicing over two seconds off the existing mark with an
astonishing 2m12.6963s lap time set on the eighth of twelve laps.
Bryce took his #54 NATRAD-supported Lamborghini to a convincing race
lead early in the race only to have his hard work undone thanks to an
early event safety car thanks to an off from John Teulan.
On the resumption of racing Washington was able to hold off a concerted
charge from Porsche rival David Wall to secure the win – his first
since the closing stages of the 2006 racing season when he was behind
the wheel of a Porsche GT3.
The second race was far more straightforward for Washington, leading
from start to finish en route to a commanding round victory over Wall
and championship leader Allan Simonsen.
It was also Washington’s first round victory since Mallala last year –
meaning it has been almost 10 months since the South Australian has
been able to spray the champagne.
“It’s been a fantastic weekend,” He enthused today.
“The car has been getting better and better every lap we run. It’s still not perfect but it’s amazing to drive.
“Taking the right hander into the chase flat out at 278kph is one of
the most amazing things I have ever experienced in a race car.
”We were able to get a lead early in both races and consolidate the
lead. The Natrad Lamborghini was strong all day and I can’t wait to get
into the bulk of the championship from here
on in.
“It’s been a great weekend for us and gives us some good points to
really kick off our championship campaign this year.” He said.
The next round of the Australian GT Championship will be contested at Queensland Raceway on May 26 – 27.
For more information visit www.natrad.com.au or www.adrad.com.au
Championship Points:
1. Allan Simonsen - 309
2. Bryce Washington - 273
3. David Wall - 265
4. Damien Flack - 162
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